The 61st birth anniversary of Manipur journalist Khelen Thokchom was observed at Sagolband Tera Tongbram Leikai in Imphal West on Wednesday.
During the event, organised by the Khelen Thokchom Trust (KTT), floral tributes were paid to the departed soul at the memorial statue of the late journalist. As a part of the observation, a certificate and a shawl were presented to Khelen Thokchom Media Fellowship (KTMF) recipient Ng Liklailema of The Sangai Express.
The KTMF programme was initiated with an objective to enhance the writing skills of journalists in the state in diverse fields, KTT secretary Sobhapati Samom.
Apart from journalist Ng Liklaileima of The Sangai Express, KTMF has been awarded to three other journalists of different media houses in the state.
Sports reporter Heikrujam Sadananda Singh of Poknapham and Lelen Vaiphei of the Imphal Free Press received the first edition of KTMF programme in 2018-2019 to write special stories on "Prospect of Cricket in Manipur."
In the second edition of KTMF programme in 2019-2020, Imphal Free Press reporter Babie Shirin was selected to produce researched based stories on "Manipur's Dying Water Resources".
For the first time, the KTT will be inviting applications from intending TV and print journalists having a minimum of three years' experience in journalism to apply for the fourth edition of KTMF programme, the KTT said. It said the fellowships theme for the year 2021-22 is "Vanishing playfields of Manipur and its impact on health and sports".
Inviting journalists for the fourth edition of KTMF, the KTT stated that one journalist each from electronic media and print media will be selected.
The selected journalists must report six feature stories each. For television media, the fellowship amount will be Rs 30,000 and for print media it will be Rs 20,000, it added.
"Application along with bio-data, a letter of support from the editor that the output under the fellowship will be published (mandatory for all candidates), one sample of published report on sports if any should be submitted to the Coordinator, KTMF c/o Pureiromba Enterprises #7005706997, Konung Mamang (Palace Gate) near Pureiromba Khongnang, Imphal East District-795 005 (Daily office timing 10am-5pm except Sunday) before December 17, 2021," the KTT stated in a release.
Original publications of the reports will have to be submitted on the completion of the fellowship programme. The selection of applicants will be done by a jury of eminent media experts, it said.
Selection results will be announced during December end through personnel contacts. The selected fellows will be guided by mentors to bring out unique research oriented reports, it added.
Media advisor to the chief minister, editors, senior journalists, representatives of Youth Forum and Meira Paibi of the Tera Tongbram Leikai, KTT members and family members of the late senior journalist were present at the observation.
